Despite playing without leading scorer Parker Wolfe, the Effingham Flaming Hearts gave Marion all it could handle Tuesday night.

But the Wildcats got 44 points from Jackson Connor and were able to rally for a 74-69 win at home.

The Hearts, led by Drew Thompson’s 16 points, had a 32-27 lead at intermission.

But Connor then exploded for 16 points in the third quarter, helping Marion go on a 26-16 spurt and take a 53-48 edge into the final eight minutes.

Drew Thompson tallied 16 points in the fourth period, but Connor scored 11 more, helping the Wildcats secure the win and improve to 20-9 on the season.

Drew Thompson made six 3-pointers and finished with a season-high 36 points. Brayden Pals scored nine and Nate Thompson added eight. Wolfe missed the game due to illness.

The Hearts, now 17-12, will conclude their regular season at home Friday night against Taylorville. Effingham will then host a Class 3A Regional and play Wednesday at 7 p.m. against Centralia.